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Physical Education teacher Sheila Burns leads the charge at Monticello High School, integrating the Fitness Court® into school programs and fostering inclusivity for users of all fitness levels, marking a critical step toward addressing health disparities in Sullivan County.
Monticello, NY, a vibrant hub nestled in the Sullivan County Catskills, recently celebrated a transformative milestone with the opening of the first-ever high school Fitness Court® in New York State. This addition to Monticello High School not only enhances student wellness but also stands as a beacon for community health improvement in a region ranked 61 out of 62 in county health outcomes by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.
At the heart of this initiative is Sheila Burns, a physical education teacher and coach at Monticello High School. For Sheila, promoting physical activity is more than a profession—it’s a personal mission. “Living an active lifestyle is important to me because it allows me to serve as a role model and resource to my students and athletes,” Sheila shared. “Physical activity provides me with enjoyment, as well as mental and physical benefits.”
The ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Fitness Court was a celebratory moment for the entire Monticello community. Amanda Langseder of Sullivan 180 highlighted its importance to the region’s broader health initiatives: “We are working to empower the health of the next generation through people, places, and policy, and this is a place that’s going to improve health for our young people.” The event underscored the community's shared commitment to wellness and the potential impact of this facility. MVP Health Care also joined as a key partner, further amplifying the initiative’s reach and sustainability.
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Since its launch, the Fitness Court has become an integral part of Monticello High’s physical education curriculum. Students can select the fitness unit as part of their regular PE classes, participating in outdoor activities when weather permits. According to Sheila, this innovative approach provides a much-needed change in setting and exercise.
“The fitness court provides a change in setting and exercise for our students. It allows them to be active outside rather than inside in the weight room,” she explained. The facility complements the school’s existing wellness resources, including the weight room, wellness trail, and athletic facilities, offering students expanded opportunities to be physically active.
Beyond school hours, the Fitness Court serves as a resource for athletes, faculty, and community members. Its inclusive design ensures that participants of all abilities can engage with the space, promoting broader community health and fitness. “The community has responded with excitement,” Sheila shared. “Students, athletes, staff, and community members are most excited about the inclusiveness of the fitness court.”
Local leaders have praised the Fitness Court’s potential to address long-standing health disparities in Sullivan County.
Superintendent Matthew Evans emphasized its accessibility, stating, “The fitness court is open and accessible to all community members of all abilities ages 14 and up.” This open access, coupled with the Fitness Court’s strategic location at the campus entrance, signals Monticello’s commitment to wellness.
For Sheila Burns, the Fitness Court is more than just a workout space—it’s a reflection of the community’s priorities and values. “Immediately when you enter our campus, you are greeted by the fitness court and our athletic facilities,” Sheila noted. “It lets those within and outside of the Monticello community know that health and fitness are a priority here.”
With champions like Sheila Burns, supportive partners like MVP Health Care, and a strong network of community support, the Monticello High School Fitness Court is well on its way to transforming lives and promoting a culture of wellness in the Sullivan County Catskills.
